Lydiard House Museum in Swindon RE-OPENS after 20 month closure
The attraction has been shut to the public since December 2019
Last updated 6th Aug 2021
Staff at Swindon's Lydiard House Museum are gearing-up for their first weekend back in action, after more than 18 months away.
Having initially shut for winter in December 2019, which is standard practice for the attraction, the COVID-19 outbreak meant the closure was heavily extended.
On May 17th this year, the Grade II listed building was permitted to welcome visitors through its doors once again, but opted to remain shut to the public until 5th August.
According to Swindon Borough Council, which owns the Elizabethan site, this delay meant the correct level of staffing and Coronavirus protocols could be implemented.
To certify the fact that it can operate in a COVID-safe manner, Lydiard House has since received 'Good to Go' certification from Visit England.
'The story of an aristocratic family living in Swindon'
Frances Yeo, the Museum Manager, has told Greatest Hits Radio how the building is embedded in its rich history: "A lot of the items, particularly the portraits that are on the walls, are original to the house.
"They depict the people who lived in the house, from Elizabethan times, right up pretty much to the last occupants who moved out just before the Borough (Council) bought the house in the 1940s.
"So it really tells the story of an aristocratic family living on the outskirts of Swindon and their rise, and slight fall, into the 20th century!"
Visitors will be greeted with a new exhibition. 'Look Up!' encourages people to spot features of the house that are carved into the walls, ceilings and chimney breasts - including Greek goddesses.
It has also been revealed that London's Victoria and Albert Museum loaned some historic furniture to the Swindon site, adding to its nostalgia.
Lydiard House is now open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays - from 11:00 to 16:00 BST.